Vila Velha | Espirito Santo | Brazil

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Garoto Chocolate Factory

Museum

Are you sweet-toothed? If yes, and you’re planning a trip to Brazil this summer, pass by Garoto Chocolate Factory in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo. Established in 1929 by Heinrich Meyerfreund, a German who reached Brazil, the factory started small.

The name Garoto (‘boy’ in Portuguese) was given by consumers, as the first products were sold in tram stops by boys and people soon started looking for the ‘Garotos’ to buy some more of the sweet delicacies.

It didn’t take long for Meyerfreund’s delicious recipe to become known all over the world and the factory steadily expanded and started exporting chocolates. Today, Garoto Chocolate Factory is in the top 10 largest chocolate manufacturers worldwide. Boasting a portfolio of around 70 products, the company produces bonbon boxes, chocolate bars, Easter Eggs and chocolate for culinary purposes (i.e.: covertures and cocoa powder), which are sold in more than 50 countries around the globe. Garoto’s best sellers include The Yellow Box, the Family Tablets, Baton and Tableto chocolates, and Serenata de Amor bonbons. And… surprise, surprise, the company also offers ice cream and popsicle version of some of its major brands.

Garoto products are distributed by a variety of distributors around the world. Walgreens sold Garoto candies under the brand name of Regal Dynasty, but switched to a Polish supplier afterwards.

In 2002 the great Brazilian chocolate factory was acquired by Swiss company, Nestlé but still continues to operate separately.

On 16th January 2013, the company signed a sponsorship contract with FIFA for 200 million reais and the CBF based on which Garoto was named the official chocolate of the Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014’s World Cup hosted by Brazil.

In 2016, the Brazilian chocolate manufacturer was awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for its excellent traveller score, coming up first in the category tours and activities in Vila Velha.